Analyzing Logical Fallacies in the Media

Task Description

1) Record and analyze 4 instances of a logical fallacy being used in the media. Your sources may include television, newspapers, magazines, radio, or the internet. You may not record the same fallacy twice or use the same example for more than one fallacy. You need to find four different fallacies in four different sources. These sources may be editorials, letters to the editor, advertisements, opinion pieces etc.

2) Describe each fallacy observed in detail by quoting the words accurately or describing the imagery. If you can attach the example, include that with your report. When possible, give exact quotes. You may not use fallacies from fictional sources such as make-believe TV series, fictional books, or movies.

3) Explain in detail why the fallacy you observed was used or what it was intended to accomplish. Your report must be typed and neatly organized. Please remember that this is NOT a group project and sharing examples of fallacies is academic dishonesty. Also, do not try copying fallacies from the internet.

4) Your report must be uploaded to our D2L dropbox by the due date. Your written task and any examples you imbed must be in one file. If you use a Mac computer be sure to save your assignment as a .pdf file for uploading. One day late = 5% penalty. Two days late = 10% penalty. Mark of zero if given after the two day window.

The spokesperson mentions depp fried turkey accidents, car accidents as examples of the dangers around your home. At no point does the spokesperson provide sources for the events nor does the spokesperson mention the size of any sample pools used. The goal of the commercial is to insight fear in the viewer so they will quickly purchase insurance from Allstate. The spokesperson closes with, Trouble never takes a holiday.” This is clearly an attempt to persuade using the emotional force of fear as opposed to providing reasons why Allstate is the choice insurance purchasers should make.